Meet Apurva Jadhav

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Apurva Jadhav. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Apurva below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Apurva with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the example set by my father, Sanjay Jadhav. Growing up, I watched him approach every task—big or small—with dedication, precision, and humility. As a child, I didn’t always understand the long hours he put in or why he insisted on doing things thoroughly, but with time, I realized he was teaching me the most valuable lesson of all: to respect the process.

My passion for fashion and design began early, but it was my father’s influence that shaped how I approached that passion—with discipline. Whether I was sketching late into the night or hand-stitching my first garments, I carried his voice in my head, reminding me that talent means little without consistency and hard work.

In college and beyond, I found myself taking initiative, never shying away from late nights, tight deadlines, or hands-on learning. I didn’t wait for opportunity—I created it. I immersed myself in every aspect of the fashion world, from brand strategy and illustration to product development and marketing. When I worked on campaigns or created collections, I did so with the kind of determination I saw in my father every day.

Today, as I navigate the competitive fashion industry, my work ethic continues to set me apart. I owe that drive, that constant pursuit of excellence, to the values instilled in me by my father. His journey became the blueprint for mine—not just in what I want to achieve, but in how I strive to achieve it.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Apurva Jadhav, a fashion designer, brand strategist, and technical designer with a deep passion for creating empowering and inclusive fashion experiences. Currently, I work full-time with Ivory and Main, a New York-based plus-size bridal brand where I merge creativity and strategy to not only design beautiful garments, but also redefine how fashion speaks to confidence, individuality, and self-expression—especially for women who have long been overlooked by the mainstream bridal industry.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to combine artistry with purpose. Whether I’m illustrating a new collection, developing tech packs, or building brand campaigns, every part of the process is intentional. Fashion, for me, isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, identity, and connection. I love pushing boundaries, especially when it comes to challenging stereotypes, like I did with my thesis collection Empower Essence, which reimagined power dressing for women in male-dominated workspaces.

What makes my work special is the balance I strike between creativity and functionality. I love crafting pieces that are visually captivating but also grounded in purpose—whether it’s a ready-to-wear design inspired by the Mojave Desert or a meticulously constructed bridal gown that makes someone feel truly seen.

Something new and incredibly meaningful that I’m working on is a social media initiative at Ivory and Main called “dream dress project.” It’s a heartfelt project where we gift discontinued sample gowns to deserving plus-size brides facing hardships. We invite our community to nominate brides, and then we create a beautiful, joy-filled experience where they try on and take home a gown that makes them feel extraordinary. We also document the journey to share authentic, uplifting stories across our platforms.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue blending fashion with purpose—whether that’s through my own brand vision or future collaborations. My ultimate goal is to create work that not only looks beautiful but makes people feel powerful, represented, and inspired.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful elements in my journey have been: resilience, storytelling, and adaptability.

1. Resilience:
Fashion is a fast-paced, demanding industry. There are long hours, tight deadlines, and moments of doubt. What’s carried me through is resilience—knowing that setbacks are not failures, but redirections. I learned this early on while juggling design school, internships, and freelance work. The key is to stay rooted in your purpose, even when the road feels uncertain.

Advice: Don’t be afraid to start small or stumble. Show up consistently, ask questions, seek feedback, and always stay hungry to learn. Growth often comes from discomfort.

2. Storytelling:
Whether I’m designing a garment, crafting a brand campaign, or curating a social media story, the ability to communicate meaning and emotion is everything. People connect with authenticity. This skill has helped me bring fashion to life in a way that’s not just visual—but deeply personal.

Advice: Practice sharing your story. Reflect on what you stand for and why you create. Hone your visual and verbal storytelling—whether through mood boards, written bios, or social content. Let your “why” shine through your “what.”

3. Adaptability:
I’ve worn many hats—designer, strategist, illustrator, merchandiser—and every role taught me something new. The fashion landscape is constantly evolving, and being able to shift gears, learn new tools, and embrace change has made me more versatile and valuable.

Advice: Stay curious. Learn beyond your niche. Don’t box yourself into just one skill—explore design, business, tech, marketing. The more agile you are, the more opportunities you can unlock.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Without a doubt, my parents have been the most instrumental in shaping who I am today—both personally and professionally. My father taught me the value of discipline, hard work, and staying grounded no matter how high you aim. He led by example, showing me that success comes from consistency and character. My mother, on the other hand, nurtured my creativity and encouraged me to pursue my passions fearlessly. She reminded me that empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence are just as vital as technical skills.

Together, they created a foundation that gave me the courage to dream big and the resilience to navigate every challenge. Their unwavering support and belief in me continue to be my greatest source of strength.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behance.net/apurvajadhav1
• Instagram: apurvajadhav_6
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apurva-jadhav-753692210